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kebakat 
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 Topic: CVs
Posted: 12 August 2009 at 1:58pm |
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This isn't for me but thought it would be useful for me to know anyway... A friend is likely going to loose their job but their cv just doesn't look that attractive so I thought I'd help give it an overhaul, but I got some questions for any of those who hire staff or whatever to get their perspective..
How do you make your cv stand out from others?
What format is the best?
How much info is good to have in there?
Does anyone know any really good sites that have basic layouts - like with font size, headings etc that I could copy to make this one look "pretty"
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clover
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Posted: 12 August 2009 at 2:28pm |
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I look for simple C.V's, nothing too elaborate. I like names and headings to stand out and for them to be fairly brief. I really like bullet points as you get the picture very quickly.
Generally:
Personal information (name, contact details)
Personal Statement / Objective
Education (if no higher eduction to highlight put it after work history)
Work history
Personally, I don't want to know what your hobbies etc are on your C.V.
To me the covering letter is just as important as the CV, the letter needs to make me want to read the CV that follows.
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GuestGuest
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Posted: 12 August 2009 at 2:39pm |
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I agree with summerlamb, as brief and to the point as possible as it sucks wading through long, boring CVs.
"Pretty" isn't important in my opinion. When I was recruiting I liked basic professional looking CVs without the fanfare. All black, bold headings, bullet points. The content is what is important.
On the cover letter, you can spot a copy and paste job straight away. It is important to try to customise it to the job spec and give examples. No more than 3-4 short paragraphs.
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surfergirl
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Posted: 12 August 2009 at 2:52pm |
Yip, as someone who worked in HR I agree with the others.
Cover letter is almost more important than CV.
CV should be no more than three pages long. Once you're past a certain age school results and early jobs (paper round, worked at the local fruit and vege shop etc) need to come off.
Plain, bold layout, with clear contact details. No colour. No fancy paper. No binding etc. Check for typos. I found it helpful if the applicants name (in very small print) was on the footer of each page, as it is easy to get papers muddled...
Your letter and CV should be trying to get you an interview, not the job. That's what the interview is for...that's where you really sell yourself.
Hope this helps.
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kebakat
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Posted: 12 August 2009 at 3:14pm |
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That's really useful info. His CV uses large times new roman font (I hate tnr with a passion lol), so it takes up way more pages than necessary. I have spotted a couple of typos in my brief look and can see other little formatting mistakes which make it look just a little less professional overall - fixing these types of things was what I meant by making it "prettier"
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kebakat
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Posted: 12 August 2009 at 3:27pm |
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Oh and what do you guys actually expect in the cover letter since this seems to be as important?
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surfergirl
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Posted: 12 August 2009 at 3:54pm |
I'd expect a tailored response to the advert - addressing how the applicant fits the criteria mentioned in the advert.
A brief mention of WHY the person wants the job and what made them apply for it. Also, if possible, I appreciate it when people have made an effort to discover something out the company they are applying to (if you know that) or at least the industry. e.g. when I saw the advert for XYZ company I knew I wanted to apply as you have such a good environmental record etc.)
Finally I always try and put a teaser in to encourage an interview..."if possible for us to meet face-to-face I'd like to discuss this further with you..." (personally I have got an interview for EVERY job I've applied for!!!)
Hope this helps!
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clover
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Posted: 12 August 2009 at 4:09pm |
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I agree with Surfergirl, it needs to be tailored to the role, why you would fit with what they are looking for and why you want to work for the company. Anything that makes it seem as though you have taken extra time into researching the role/company and have put in the effort to try and make your application as good as you can rather than just sending a generic "please see my attached CV" letter.
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kebakat
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Posted: 12 August 2009 at 4:11pm |
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That is helpful. They have been in the same industry for 20 years pretty much so they have a huge amount of knowledge and vast experience. But their CV doesn't do them justice. Those are really useful points!
Another random question.. if this person goes for a job and they would like a certain qualification (its a dipolma) but they don't have that (but willing to get it) but has years of experience in that area... kinda like a person who has been a mechanic for years but just hasn't got the bit of paper... how would you word it so they pick up on the experience rather than the lack of paper qualification?
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GuestGuest
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Posted: 12 August 2009 at 4:21pm |
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In the cover letter you mean? I wouldn't mention the lack of qualification at all, just talk about the experience in the industry, how much they enjoy the industry etc.
If they wow enough in the letter and get an interview that will be the time to talk about the lack of qualification and to put a postive spin on it. It is 100% easier to get across to someone how suitable you are for the role when face-to-face. If it is a good enough interviewer they will be able to ask the right industry related questions to determine whether the qualification really matters at the end of the day.
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WestiesGirl
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Posted: 12 August 2009 at 4:26pm |
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Also just something else to remember about cover letters, try not to mention the lack of experience as well. If they dont have experience in a particulat industry or role then they should identify what they have to offer instead, ie. transferable skills and personal qualities etc.
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yummymummy
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Posted: 12 August 2009 at 10:08pm |
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We are advertising at the moment and getting something that is typed up as a response to our ad would def win brownie points - we've had 150 responses so far and only a handful that bothered to write something. It's good to get that as you know they care and have spent time thinking about the job etc as oppsed to just pressing "apply"and attaching a CV.
As far as CVs go, something simple and to the point. Also, if you're listing a few jobs in job experience, stop at 4-5 as it's too much after that. Keep it brief and put the most important things at the front. A CV that flows is good. Keep in mind, most CVs will be reviewed by someone like me who's busy and tired and wants easy to read & understand stuff. If it's too full of fancy jargon and has spelling mistakes, it's a no-no.
It's been a long day for me, struggling to get my thoughts out so hope this helps.
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caliandjack
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Posted: 13 August 2009 at 1:22pm |
I tend to use one of the standard formats in word, as most companies email CVs and you want one that wont take up too much space.
I got asked to put a blurb about myself into my CV. Which I put at the top.
My Cv goes - Name, address, phone
Profile
Career Highlights
Personal Attributes
Computer Literacy
Qualifications
Employment History
Referees (sometimes I leave them off depending on the application criteria).
I either use Arial or Times New Roman as they're the most common fonts and everyone can read them.
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sweetpea
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Posted: 13 August 2009 at 2:37pm |
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Make sure that anyone you mention in your Cv in regards to references/referees is still ok to be on there too. Tailor themm to the job you are applying for if you can especially the references.
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KiwiL
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Posted: 13 August 2009 at 2:46pm |
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The only think I would add is if you do anything exceptional outside of work hours. I have managed to get employers interest by mentioning the charity work I do - a lot of people want well rounded individuals with life experience too... in two cases employers have told me it was one of the things that made me stick out from the rest.
I also 2nd (3rd, 4th!) the need for a tailored cover letter, that addresses the job description. Your CV should also be tailored to the job - ie with bullet points you may end up shuffling them round to be more relevant to the position.
Lastly, with my CVs I have always converted them to Adobe for sending. Means they will definately be able to read them without formatting stuffing things up and making things fall off the page, etc.
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CVs
